Johnson Rock Lookout Traditional Geocache

This is the first in what I hope to be a series of hides near fire lookouts in the area. Here you will find Johnson Rock Lookout, 5719', on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Constructed in 1952, this 82' wooden tower is still in use during the summer, generally from July 1st to mid-September.

The cache is a plastic container. It has a logbook, trading items and writing instruments.

Spend your time enjoying the magnificent view. The Elkhorns and Mt. Ireland lookout are to the south, Tower Mtn. lookout is to the southwest, the Starkey Experimental Forest is to the northwest, and Mt. Emily is to the northeast.

If the lookout is in service, be sure to ask permission before climbing up. This is the lookout's summer home, so be respectful. During periods of extreme fire danger, or during and after lightning storms, visitors will most likely not be permitted up into the cabin. Note for 2020: due to the COVID-19 pandemic, visitors will likely not be permitted inside staffed lookouts to protect the safety and wellness of the person on duty.

Directions: from I-84 take exit 252 at Hilgard. Head southwest on Highway 244 to Forest Road 51, which follows the Grand Ronde River upstream. Turn right (west) on Forest Road 5115. After about 1.5 miles, turn left (south) on Forest Road 5120. Follow this all the way to the top. The road is in fairly good condition (not plowed in the winter), although extremely low-clearance cars might have trouble with the water bars in the road. As always, check your maps before you go, plan ahead, and let someone know where you are going!

Be sure to visit my other fire lookout caches:

Kid Friendly Not Recommended After Dark Dogs Allowed Less than 500 ft. from car to cache Restrooms available No Water Available Scenic View Park n Grab

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